I used to fish the Big White Salmon River for steelhead. I had a number of people tell me about how hot "the bench" is for springers. I've never fished the bench, but may find the time to do so this year. Does anyone know anything about the bench? Would I have to get there at 1:00 a.m. to get a spot? If I remember correctly, throwing magnum wiggle warts was the thing.

[This message has been edited by NewZealand (edited 04-15-2000).]

The White Salmon is spotty for springers. You may luck into a group that has moved into the mouth but your luck will probably be better if you brave the Drano or Wind River crowds. Many times more fish are going to the terminal fisheries at those two sites. If you insist, yes, mag warts are the thing. Check your regs because they are different at the WS than for the other two.

You don't really need to get on the bench at 0'dark 30, but about an hour before day light will get you a decent spot. Not too crowded for springers as there are more fish being caught at Drano and the Wind. Mag Warts are the norm for springers although the best fishing from the bench is the fall Chinook run.
Watch the boundry markers. Cast too far out into the Columbia and you may go home with a healthy ticket instead of a healthy Springer!